Democratic candidates in the 12 District congressional race include, from left, Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset), state Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex), and Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer). They have all announced plans to run for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Rush Holt.
(file photo)

Officials in two towns endorse Greenstein
Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) was endorsed by Hightstown elected officials and East Windsor teachers this month in her campaign to succeed U.S. Rep. Rush Holt (D-12th Dist.) in Congress.

“Linda Greenstein is a fierce advocate for progressive values. During her years in the state legislature, she has been instrumental in passing a minimum wage increase for hard-working families, fighting for women’s access to health care and passing the Paid Family Leave Act,” Hightstown Mayor Steve Kirson said. “Those are the progressive issues we need Congress to focus on.”

Greenstein also was endorsed by Hightstown Borough Council President Susan Bluth, who said Greenstein “always supported Mercer County’s priorities during her years in the Legislature.”

“Linda’s advocacy of strong progressive causes and her unparalleled constituent service is what has made her an outstanding legislator and what will make her such an effective congresswoman,” Bluth said.

Greenstein yesterday secured the first teachers union endorsement of the campaign, with the East Windsor Education Association throwing its support behind her.

“From fighting for adequate school aid for our suburban communities to standing up for kids and teachers, Linda Greenstein has been a true friend to public education,” ETEA president Ellen Ogintz said. “Linda knows that strong public schools make strong communities, and she has always kept the interest of the taxpayer in mind.”

Greenstein said she would seek greater public school investments and teacher flexibilities if elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

“I am always grateful to have the backing of our public school teachers, as I would not have been able to achieve what I have if it weren’t for the public school teachers who taught me,” Greenstein said in a news release. “Our future rides on giving all of our kids a top-notch education. Together with our teachers and communities, we can do just that.”

Perez critical of city over election mix-upTRENTON — Mayoral candidate Paul Perez yesterday requested that the “best interest of the people of Trenton” be considered in finding a solution to an error by the city clerk in allowing mayoral and council candidates to submit far fewer petitions than legally allowed.

“The people deserve a timely resolution with a legally binding opinion from the courts,” Perez said. “This situation cannot be resolved in a vacuum. The severity of the city clerk’s gross negligence has to be resolved using a clear and established procedure, which can be reviewed eventually by a court of law.”

Jackson calls for better city-state relationshipTRENTON — Mayoral candidate Eric Jackson yesterday called for a “solid and productive working relationship” between city and state officials.

“The state owns almost half the land in our city but has shirked its responsibilities in paying for its use and reducing or keeping state aid flat year after year,” Jackson said in a news release. “Our state legislators need to work with the governor to restore the state aid we had before these massive budget cuts, which only hurt our local residents.

“We are not looking for a handout but for a fair shake. Our residents and businesses deserve nothing less,” Jackson said.